If you are craving a dish that bursts with tropical flavors and has the perfect balance of sweet and savory, the Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. This recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a vibrant meal that transports you straight to island paradise. Juicy grilled chicken pairs beautifully with caramelized pineapple rings, all enhanced by a marinade packed with ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue or just want a special dinner that feels like a mini getaway, this dish never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe. Each item brings something unique: from the salty depth of soy sauce to the fresh zing of lime juice, every flavor builds on the next. These ingredients are simple, easy to find, and most importantly, essential for creating that classic aloha taste and texture you’re after.
- Soy sauce: Provides a rich, salty base that amplifies umami in the marinade.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and helps create a lovely glaze when grilled.
- Pineapple juice: Gives a tropical tang and mild acidity to tenderize the chicken.
- Olive oil: Helps balance the marinade and keeps the chicken moist on the grill.
- Garlic, minced: Brings aromatic pungency that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Fresh ginger, minced: Adds a subtle warm spice and brightness.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Offer a subtle nutty crunch and visual appeal.
- Black pepper: Lends mild heat and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, juicy and quick to grill.
- Fresh pineapple, cut into rings or chunks: Caramelizes beautifully, providing sweet contrast and tropical flair.
- Lime juice: Infuses a fresh citrus punch into the pineapple glaze.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): Adds warm, subtle spice to the pineapple glaze for complexity.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with herbaceous freshness as a garnish.
- Lime wedges: Perfect for serving and enhancing that zesty finish.
How to Make Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe
Step 1: Create the Marinade
Start by whisking together soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, olive oil, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds if you’re using them, and black pepper in a bowl. This marinade is the heart of the dish and infuses the chicken with sweet, savory, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors which set the tone for the entire meal.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, but overnight will give you an even deeper, more luscious flavor. This step ensures your chicken soaks up all the aloha magic before hitting the grill.
Step 3: Prepare the Pineapple Glaze
Mix honey, lime juice, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush this glaze generously over the pineapple rings or chunks. The glaze will caramelize when grilled, bringing out an irresistible flavor that perfectly complements the chicken.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Get your grill hot and ready at medium-high heat. This is essential for searing the chicken and pineapple, locking in juices, and achieving those beautiful grill marks that make the dish look as good as it tastes.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C. This ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked—juicy with a slightly smoky edge.
Step 6: Grill the Pineapple
Place the glazed pineapple on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. When you see those tantalizing grill marks and caramelization, your pineapple is ready to bring its sweet, tangy pop to the plate.
Step 7: Assemble and Garnish
Transfer the grilled chicken and pineapple to a serving platter. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a fresh color pop and serve with lime wedges for an extra citrus burst right at the table.
How to Serve Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro or parsley brightens the plate visually and offers an herbal note that balances the sweet and savory aspects of the dish. Don’t forget fresh lime wedges on the side—they add a zesty sparkle that really wakes up your taste buds.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with simple steamed rice, coconut rice for a tropical twist, or even a fresh green salad. Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus also make excellent sides and keep the meal light and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the grilled chicken sliced on a bed of mixed greens with pineapple chunks scattered on top. You can also thread chicken and pineapple pieces onto skewers before grilling for a delightful finger-food option perfect for parties or casual meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover grilled chicken and pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy and flavorful next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken and pineapple, but for best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to freeze the chicken alone in a suitable freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently to preserve juiciness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at a low temperature. Avoid microwave reheating if you want to maintain the chicken’s lovely grilled texture and avoid drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving on the grill, so they work wonderfully with this recipe. Just adjust grilling time slightly until they reach the proper internal temperature.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can use a grill pan or cook the chicken and pineapple under a broiler. The key is achieving a charred, caramelized exterior to get that signature flavor.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, the marinade can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just whisk well before adding the chicken to ensure the flavors are well mixed.
Is sesame seed really necessary?
It’s optional, but sesame seeds add a nice nutty aroma and texture contrast. If you don’t have any, the recipe still shines without them.
How do I prevent pineapple from sticking to the grill?
Brush the grill grates with oil or use a grill mat to keep the pineapple from sticking. Also, be sure the pineapple is well glazed to help it caramelize nicely instead of sticking.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe brings a little sunshine to your table no matter the season. The combination of juicy chicken and caramelized tropical pineapple never fails to delight friends and family alike. I encourage you to whip up this recipe soon—you’ll love the easy prep, vibrant flavors, and the happy island vibes it brings every single time.
Print
Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including marinating time, minimum 1 hour)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
This Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple recipe offers a delicious tropical-inspired meal featuring marinated boneless chicken breasts grilled to perfection alongside caramelized pineapple. The savory-sweet marinade combines soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, garlic, and ginger, imparting vibrant flavors perfect for summer grilling or a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pineapple Glaze
- 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings or chunks
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, olive oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame seeds if using, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight to maximize flavor infusion.
- Make Pineapple Glaze: In a small bowl, mix honey, lime juice, and ground cinnamon if using. Brush this mixture evenly over the pineapple rings or chunks, coating them well for added sweetness and tang.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken and pineapple.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy.
- Grill the Pineapple: Place the pineapple pieces on the grill alongside the chicken. Grill them for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and the pineapple caramelizes slightly, enhancing its natural sweetness.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken and pineapple to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley and lime wedges. Serve warm, optionally alongside rice, salad, or grilled vegetables to complete the meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness significantly.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked to 165°F for safety.
- For extra smoky flavor, add a wood chip packet to the grill if using a charcoal grill.
- The pineapple glaze can be adjusted by adding more honey or lime juice to suit your taste preference.
- Sesame seeds are optional but add a nice texture and nutty flavor if included.
